It’s all about the teachers

Published: Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 6:45 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 6:45 p.m.

Any serious conversation about public education invariably comes down to one universal truth: It’s all about the children. And so it is.

But for one wonderful night a year in Marion County, our community directs its focus and sheds well-deserved light and praise on those whose life’s work is making sure it is indeed all about the children. Friday night was that night, as the Public Education Foundation of Marion County held the 23rd annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program awards.

What an uplifting and inspiring event. If you have never been, you are missing something special. I have been to most of the 23 Golden Apple awards ceremonies, and every year I come away awed and humbled by just how many great teachers, nay, great people are doing heroic work shaping the minds and characters of our children. Every generation of adults predictably frets about what will become of “this younger generation”? Rest easy, folks, they’re in good hands.

Dominguez put it well.

What we do in school for our students carries forward into their lives, their families and their communities. Our job as teachers is essential because we change lives and we shape the future.” For the better, to be sure.

This year’s Golden Apple Teacher of the Year is Tim Jones, a civics and ancient civilizations teacher at Howard Middle School. The baby-faced Jones was selected after exhaustive evaluations of teacher of the year nominees from the county’s 51 public schools. I promise you, every one of the 51 are special, and if you have a child or grandchild in any of their classrooms, they’re getting a good education and more.

Like almost every one of his Golden Apple Teacher of the Year predecessors, Jones was genuinely surprised that he won. “I am going to be honest with you,” he told the 400 or so on hand. “I didn’t prepare a speech because I did not think I was going to win.”

They all say that; with good reason. Because there are so many wildly talented, caring and dedicated teachers in Marion County’s schools that unfairly take abuse and blame and criticism for what is wrong with our schools and our society, when in truth they represent what is most right and bright and promising about our schools and our society.

Thanks to the Public Education Foundation and all those who help make the Golden Apple program one of our community’s truly great events. For one night, it’s all about the teachers — and they deserve so much more.

<p>Any serious conversation about public education invariably comes down to one universal truth: It's all about the children. And so it is.</p><p>But for one wonderful night a year in Marion County, our community directs its focus and sheds well-deserved light and praise on those whose life's work is making sure it is indeed all about the children. Friday night was that night, as the Public Education Foundation of Marion County held the 23rd annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program awards.</p><p>What an uplifting and inspiring event. If you have never been, you are missing something special. I have been to most of the 23 Golden Apple awards ceremonies, and every year I come away awed and humbled by just how many great teachers, nay, great people are doing heroic work shaping the minds and characters of our children. Every generation of adults predictably frets about what will become of “this younger generation”? Rest easy, folks, they're in good hands.</p><p>Dominguez put it well.</p><p>What we do in school for our students carries forward into their lives, their families and their communities. Our job as teachers is essential because we change lives and we shape the future.” For the better, to be sure.</p><p>This year's Golden Apple Teacher of the Year is Tim Jones, a civics and ancient civilizations teacher at Howard Middle School. The baby-faced Jones was selected after exhaustive evaluations of teacher of the year nominees from the county's 51 public schools. I promise you, every one of the 51 are special, and if you have a child or grandchild in any of their classrooms, they're getting a good education and more.</p><p>Jones was one of five finalists. The others were veteran Shady Hill kindergarten teacher Dana Andrews, Dunnellon High science teacher Robert Ayton, Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks science teacher Judith Dominguez, and Dr. N.H. Jones physical education teacher Karen Morrison.</p><p>Like almost every one of his Golden Apple Teacher of the Year predecessors, Jones was genuinely surprised that he won. “I am going to be honest with you,” he told the 400 or so on hand. “I didn't prepare a speech because I did not think I was going to win.”</p><p>They all say that; with good reason. Because there are so many wildly talented, caring and dedicated teachers in Marion County's schools that unfairly take abuse and blame and criticism for what is wrong with our schools and our society, when in truth they represent what is most right and bright and promising about our schools and our society.</p><p>Thanks to the Public Education Foundation and all those who help make the Golden Apple program one of our community's truly great events. For one night, it's all about the teachers — and they deserve so much more.</p>